The wetted ramp as a useful tool to service smaller-bodied finfishes at low-head acquatic barriers

<p>This study examined the effects of finfish length and behavior on passage success on the wetted ramp, a proposed passage device for finfishes at low-head aquatic barriers. There were two hypotheses: there is a size effect to passage success because larger fish have relatively less propulsive surface area in partial submersion, and fish respond to changes in ramp angle of inclination during a passage attempt. Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) were observed, using a high speed camera, as they attempted to scale the wetted ramp. Smaller fish traveled farther and were also able to accelerate on the ramp despite entering at lower velocities. Larger fish had relatively greater head and tail amplitudes and greater body bending during strokes, suggesting the use of a less efficient swimming mode. Finfish as a group did not respond behaviorally to a change in ramp angle of inclination. The wetted ramp appears to be a size selective passage device, suggesting its use at low-head obstructions to service smaller-bodied finfishes.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Kivari, Levi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ulrich Reinhardt
• Steven Francoeur
• Peter Bednekoff

• Behavior
• Finfish
• Fisheries
• Fishway
• Migration
• Swimming Mechanics
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/833

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2215